Hyaluronic Acid

This well known skincare ingredient resides in our extracellular matrix, the space between our cells, and is a crucial component of our skin. This molecule has many functions including retaining moisture and maintaining a strong barrier, two important factors for healthy looking skin. Hyaluronic acid has an unparalleled ability to bind to water molecules which moisturizes and plumps the skin reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Turmeric Extract

Turmeric is abundantly found throughout Asia and has been coveted for it’s cosmetic, culinary, and medicinal properties. The turmeric we use in our illuminating serum is extracted and distilled to isolate specific molecules called turmerones. Turmerones have excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect cells and prevent damage from external factors like UV rays and pollution. Protecting our cells from this oxidative stress prevents signs of aging  such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

Centella Asiatica has long been used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic, traditional African, and traditional Chinese cultures. This plant was especially beneficial to dermatological conditions due to its active compounds that include triterpenes and polyphenols which have antioxidant and cell repair properties.

At times production of cells can become out of control, resulting in a lack of functionality of very important skin cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts produce vital skin proteins and when we lose that functionality our skin begins to look rough and dull. Studies have shown that when this extract is applied to the skin, the cell cycle is regulated, production of fibroblasts is increased, and skin radiance is improved.

Himanthalia Elongata Extract

Harvested in Brittany, France, this brown algae extract helps reduce hyperpigmentation spots and prevent new ones from forming. Recent studies have shown that the dark age spots on our skin contain an increased amount of damaged cells called senescent cells, specifically senescent fibroblast cells. Senescent cells are usually picked up and recycled by our immune system. As we age this process becomes less efficient and senescent cells accumulate.

Senescent fibroblasts no longer produce specific proteins responsible for communicating with the melanin producing skin cells, melanocytes. The himanthalia elongata extract has been shown to reactivate that protein production allowing for open communication between these cells. This prevents melanocytes from over producing melanin, which causes dark spots. Targeting this cell pathway reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation without affecting your natural skin tone.

Rosmarinyl Glucoside, Caffeyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside

Skin redness can be caused by multiple factors which include the overproduction of inflammatory proteins interleukin-8 (IL-8) and TNF-ꭤ, the release of histamine which causes itching, and the overproduction of the VEGF protein that is responsible for the production of new blood vessels.

This ingredient blend reduces the appearance of redness and increases skin radiance by targeting these main processes. Studies have shown that when this ingredient blend is applied to skin cells it greatly reduces the production of IL-8, TNF-ꭤ, histamine, and VEGF. When directly applied to the skin the appearance of redness is reduced and the skin is more even and luminous.